HMIE for Caol

Caol Primary School and Nursery Class were inspected in April/May 2008 as part of a national sample of primary and nursery education and HM Inspectors identified the following key strengths:

• The positive climate for learning in the nursery and primary classes

• Very effective team working amongst staff, and shared high expectations for all

• The attainment of children and pupils in English language and literacy from the nursery through to P7

• Pupils’ enthusiasm for learning and their confidence and skills in working together

• The leadership of the head teacher, and the strong support of the management team and all staff

Parents, pupils and staff were very positive about all aspects of the school except the condition of the school building.  However, they judged that within the school an attractive and stimulating learning environment had been created. Overall, the management and use of resources and space were evaluated as satisfactory.  All other areas of the work of the school were evaluated as very good or good.

Commenting on expectations and promoting achievement, the inspectors noted that teachers, support staff, and pupils all shared very high expectations for behaviour, attainment and achievement.  Almost all tasks in lessons were challenging.  School staff were successful overall in meeting their aim of including all pupils in the work of the school.

The work of Room 13 (Art Studio) was identified as being an aspect of innovative and effective practice being worthy of wider dissemination.

Mrs Anne-Marie MacKay, Chairperson of the Parent Council group (Friends of Caol School) said: “Considering the age and condition of the school building, the staff have done an excellent job in maintaining the standard of the children’s education and  in fostering positive relationships between staff and pupils.  Morale is very high.”

Jennifer Cattanach, Head Teacher, said: “We are all delighted that the hard work and dedication of the entire school community has been recognised and praised in this report.”

In continuing to provide high quality and improving education, the inspectors have asked the school and education authority to:

• Improve pupils’ skills in aspects of mathematics, particularly in problem solving;  and

• Better meet the needs of pupils with additional support needs

These points are already being addressed by the school staff with the support of the education authority.  An action plan will be prepared within two years and progress with implementation of the plan will be shared with parents.  As a result of the high performance, the strong record of improvement and the very effective leadership of the school, HM Inspectors will make no further reports in connection with this inspection.